FIFA silent on technology issue

28 June 2010 12:55

FIFA have refused to comment on the issue of goal-line technology despite the controversy surrounding Frank Lampard's disallowed effort during England's World Cup defeat by Germany.
England bowed out of the tournament in meek fashion following a 4-1 last 16 defeat in Bloemfontein on Sunday.
However, the match was overshadowed by a first-half incident when Lampard's shot came down off the crossbar and clearly bounced over the goal-line, only for play to be waved on by the referee.
England were trailing 2-1 at the time and the incident has reignited the long-running debate over the use of modern technology to improve decision making.
But despite calls for FIFA to finally change their stance and consider using goal-line technology, the game's global governing body is remaining tight-lipped.
President Sepp Blatter is known to be strongly against the use of video technology in football despite years of fierce criticism.
Sunday's other last 16 game between Argentina and Mexico was also soured by a refereeing mistake as Carlos Tevez's opening goal in a 3-1 win for Diego Maradona's side was clearly offside.
"There are some questions on technology and additional assistant referee experiments and the International FA Board meeting in March took a stance on goal-line technology," explained FIFA communications director Nicolas Maingot when pressed on the issue.
"We will not enter into any debate on refereeing at the daily media briefing. I am not competent to do so.
"The International FA Board, which FIFA is a member of along with the four British associations, dealt with this topic in March. A clear decision on the use of technology was taken at the time.
"I don't think football is very much different from other sports and not all sports have recourse to technology."